Lynn lowers fowl fines

LYNN – Getting busted for harboring a live chicken without a permit in Lynn can translate to a $300 per-day fine.The penalty was previously set at $1,000 until city officials learned the amount was beyond the scope of state law. The Ordinance Committee earlier this week discussed amending the local legislation to bring it into compliance, the matter laying over until the City Council meets on May 26 for a vote.Under Lynn law, it’s legal to keep up to 10 pigeons and four chickens, but no roosters, given their penchant for loud crowing to announce the arrival of dawn.Roosters belong to a group of animals banned from the city limits. The group includes goats, sheep, horses, ponies, swine, mules, monkeys and all wild or so-called exotic animals. Lions and tigers fall into that category.The law allows Lynn residents to keep guinea pigs, rabbits, minks and ferrets, but only with a permit, which costs $100 a year.